Did you know that there are over 135 different species of trees growing in Broomfield’s parks, greenbelts and open space? Broomfield has trees ranging from the less common Giant Sequoia and Ginkgo tree to the very common Green Ash and Austrian Pine, along with the underutilized Oak Tree.

A great place to see a wide variety of trees is Community Park. There are 500 plus trees planted there. Austrian Pine is the most common, followed by Colorado Green Ash, Blue Spruce, Honeylocust, Linden, and Norway Maple.

Trees help community life. Tree planting and community-based forestry can add significantly to a local community's sustainable economy while restoring the environment.

Trees protect soil. By holding soil in place with their root systems, by deflecting pounding rain with their canopies, and by adding nutrients each fall with their leaves, trees are crucial to keeping and improving our soil.

Trees provide habitat for species of many kinds—including endangered species.

Trees provide clean water and natural flood control. Forests act as natural reservoirs, and they protect watersheds, providing clean water for cities, bays and rivers.

Trees are a beautiful part of our lives. From striking individual trees that are of historic significance or are simply large and majestic, to a grove of trees in a city park, trees enrich our lives by simply being there. Trees are not just a key to the natural ecosystem—trees are an essential part of community life.

Source: American Forests

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was discovered in Boulder in September 2103. This is an invasive and destructive insect that may affect Broomfield's urban forest. A healthy urban forest has species diversity that will limit the effect a disease or insect infestation of a single tree species has on the forest. Read more...

There are many diseases that can attack your trees. One common to Broomfield is Iron Chlorosis. This generally translates to a lack of chlorophyll. When there is a lack of iron, manganese, or nitrogen, the leaf turns yellow while the leaf veins remain green. This is very common in maples and oaks. Colorado’s alkaline soil’s high pH make these nutrients unavailable to the trees.

Trees that are highly susceptible to Iron Chlorosis include silver, red, and Ginnala maples; River Birch; Pin Oak; Sweetgum; and Dawn Redwood. (Berry bushes and grapes are also highly susceptible to this ailment.)
Best Picks for Broomfield

Our City Forester has compiled this list of trees that should grow well in Broomfield.:

For a much broader selection of recommended trees, visit the Colorado State University website.

Tree Care

Hiring the right person to care for your trees can affect their long-term health and increase the life of your tree. Arborists are professionals who have the skill and knowledge to care for your trees. This investment will lead to increased property value and life of the tree. Poor maintenance could lessen the life of the tree and add liability to you as the homeowner.

Tree care can be very dangerous work. Tree removal, pruning, and insect and disease control require special equipment and tools and should be left to the professional. Once the homeowner starts using a ladder or leaves the ground in any way to care for their tree, then an arborist should be considered for hire.